[mzunderstood79]

I just recently discovered that my 15 year old has been cutting herself. I feel to blame and I don't know what to do. She didn't want me to tell her father but I did because he is my husband and best friend. I haven't told her that I told him or that she said she does it when he leaves for work(he works out of town and is gone for a week or 2 at a time) He is about to be gone for 2 months and I am so scared. How do I handle my Bipolar and now her issue plus I also have a 13 year old and I am responsible for my ailing parents. But her cutting really needs attention but I am not sure I am capable...???

[healingme4me]

I don't believe, you can do this alone. Your daughter needs professional counseling. It's not your fault!

[atomicc]

I'm so terrified that if I have a daughter she'll do this as well. I think you definitely need to find your daughter some professional help. You can't handle her issues all on your own. Be gentle about it though, she may not be so open at first.

[mzunderstood79]

Originally Posted by atomicc

I'm so terrified that if I have a daughter she'll do this as well. I think you definitely need to find your daughter some professional help. You can't handle her issues all on your own. Be gentle about it though, she may not be so open at first.

My problem is that she only seems to worry me when she is with or around certain friends. She is a follower and I am afraid really that she is putting on just for attention but it could just be that I just don't want this and need this right now......???? So confused

[Soundoff]

Originally Posted by mzunderstood79

My problem is that she only seems to worry me when she is with or around certain friends. She is a follower and I am afraid really that she is putting on just for attention but it could just be that I just don't want this and need this right now......???? So confused

Your daughter needs help, even if this was something she did because of her group of friends, when someone decides to harm their self it's serious. As she starts getting into therapy, I think you could just sit her down and ask her about her friends and tell her your worries, gently.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by mzunderstood79

My problem is that she only seems to worry me when she is with or around certain friends. She is a follower and I am afraid really that she is putting on just for attention but it could just be that I just don't want this and need this right now......???? So confused

Even if a follower by nature, something like this tends to not be for attention seeking. I would be gentle, about getting into counseling, and not be quick to place burden on the follower/attention aspect either. I used to do this, in my early teens. There was an inner pain, that needed addressing. My parents were divided on counseling. My dad brought me to it, my mom said it was attention, or to just stop it and cope.

I did, stop, mid teens. But not before venturing to a darker place... I'm in my late 30's now. Pre-emo times...